Another successful teams race event on a clear Sunday morning. The race was split in two divisions; division one was timed handicap race and division two was untimed participation event. About 34 teams competed in both divisions of the event. Club members had the opportunity to meet new people or rekindle old friendships during the race. Dave Leckenby did a great job in working out handicaps so the teams were evenly matched. This culminated in interesting results.

The swim had a slight variation which added a degree of complexity. Swimmers hit the course anti clockwise. Despite the murky water everyone managed to expertly navigate the 350m swim and hit transition at pace, in anticipation of a decent post ride break. A couple last minute wetsuits were donned to take advantage of the long transition.

Athletes welcomed the shorter distance ride, with the early morning wind requiring a little extra effort in areas of the 12km leg. It was good to see that all riders were courteous to other road users and compliant with road rules, in particular on the roundabouts. No stacks or near misses were reported, which is always a relief to organisers.

On the run leg, athletes were pushed to test their speed capabilities over the 2.5km distance, with some making impressive splits on relatively fresh legs.

Peter Wood and Taylor Burns were well matched to take out first place in division one. Good too see such an eclectic team taking out the event with Peter's speech as colourful as his race outfit. Michael Brenan and Amy Bennett took out second place with Peter Timothy and Cliffy Lloyd coming in a close third, with a 5.8 metre challenge at the finish line by young gun Isaiah Koopmans. Terrific to see Cliffy still has the ability to find the fortitude to match the prowess of the young when the gauntlet is thrown down in the dying 1.4 seconds of the race.

Special mention to Fiona Martin and Tara Everson who teamed up in Division two to beat all participants over the line.

Jen Booth took out duty person of the day for volunteering at the last minute to do the barbecue, despite not being rostered on for duty. Thanks to Tim, the Chicken Man in Coffs Central for supplying the meat, eggs and bread as well as Mother Natures for our post race fruit.

Thanks to our day sponsors Quality Accounting and Colourworks. Chris Rowthorne and his team from Colourworks awarding a digital camera as a random prize to Jayde Viles, which typifies the support our club receives from all our sponsors. Remember to support our local small businesses leading up to Christmas, in particular our club sponsors.

Junior ScholarshipElora Croaker has been announced as the winner of this year's junior scholarship. Thanks go to Ventoux Cycles, Coffs Pool, Andrew Rowlings and Phil Benoit who make this scholarship happen

Junior TourPhil and Andrew as club coaches are looking for expressions of interest from juniors to attended the Luke Harrop Memorial Triathlon on the Gold Coast. It is the weekend April9-10. It would be for ages 13-18. Please email Phil or Andrew

On the subject of JuniorsDue to the increased business of the roads on a Sunday morning, the committee is advising all competitors under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult on the bike leg. The adult must ride behind the junior racer. It is also suggested that if any other member has lesser road skills they should also be accompanied

Change to Handicap SystemStarting from 17 January 2016 the handicap system will change from 90 min (as it currently is) to 100 minutes. It may mean some of our competitors will need to wait around a bit longer before the race starts, however, the bonus is that more of our members will finish around the same time, which means more us at the post race presentation. It will also allow more members to have a handicap that works towards points for Club Champion.

UniformsUniforms have arrived. Michelle will have them at the next club race or you can call down to Hair at the Promenade 321 Harbour Drive and grab them if that is more suitable. Cash or cheque please.

Race NumbersSome of our long term members have very faded race numbers. If your number is no longer legible can you please speak to Norman about a new numberPlease take care with your numbers. Due to increasing costs you will also be charged $20 for a replacement if you lose your number

Duty Duty Duty,We have a number of gaps in the duty roster. If you still have not put your name down for a duty please get online and fill one of the spots asap. The committee would prefer not to allocate duty’s to people but that time is getting closer if the spots stay un filled.You only have to do one for the whole year and this season there is an amazing prize for best duty person.

New Rules A new bike course rules video has been released by TA. It has been distributed to all TO’s for educational purposes but it would be very useful for new (and perhaps not so new?) triathletes. It’s well done and explains the rules in simple language and demo. The link is below.. Have a look. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pW-YgJM_WH0

Enjoy a beautiful harbour swim, a cycle on CLOSED roads and a run around our picturesque harbour foreshores.Choose from an Enticer or Olympic distance event. There are also lots of fun races for the kids.EARLY BIRD pricing available until 31st December 2015.ENTER NOW at www.villagesports.com.auThe early bird prize was won by the fabulous Tina Benoit

bcu Coffs Tri Club Volunteers “We would like to thank all those members who put their hands up to volunteer for the bcu Coffs Tri weekend we will be down at the next club race to chase up more helpers please. We are after volunteers for the Kids events on Saturday afternoon, the tasks will be marshalling the run & cycle legs, transition, water stop, timing chips collection etc. Volunteers are required also for water safety and will require you to be SLS proficient. On Sunday if any members that are not participating we can use you for similar tasks. Also on Sunday we can use the people participating in the Enticer after they have finished for a few light duties during the run leg of the Olympic please. Without the support of the Coffs Triathlon Club Volunteers we would not be able to conduct the event so thank you all very much.You can also email mick@villagesports.com.au and put your name down for any of the above days.”

Upcoming Events

January 3 - Run/Swim/Run

January 17 - Club Race: New handicap format

January 31 - Club Race

March 5-6 - BCU Triathlon

April 2 - Club Champs Forster

April 3 - Coffs ocean Swims

Club ChampsThis is still a long way away but planning is required.We have booked accommodation for 86 people only at this point so you will need to get in early. Nicole Martin will be at the next race with a Sign-on sheet for everyone to put their names down for club champs accommodation. Get in quick for the limited places available.

Any club member who is racing away from Coffs is more than welcome to borrow one of our small (3x3m) Tri Club canopies - see Griffo